The Crossing 2017: Migrants and the Mediterranean


Overall numbers entering Europe down as many thousands of refugees and migrants continue to await relocation within Europe.

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Crossing the Mediterranean Sea. Source: www.ballaghaderreen.com.

The United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) has reported that almost 47,000 men, women and children have crossed the Mediterranean Sea in the first four months of 2017. In the corresponding months of 2016, over 180,000 people had made the crossing.

 

In Numbers: The First Four Months of 2017

  • 5,166 refugees and migrants reached Greece. This compares to 155,102 for the first four months of 2016.
  • The numbers entering Italy have increased by almost 10,000 to 37,142. 
  • Spain has witnessed an increase of 1,500 with a total so far of over 5,000.
  • Cyprus received 302, up from 43 in 2016.


It has been suggested the reason for the large reduction is due to the 2016 agreement between the European Union and Turkey. The deal includes a provision that all migrants entering Greece may be sent back to Turkey. In return, the European Union agreed to give financial aid to Turkey.

The UNHCR report that migrants and refugees from Nigeria, Guinea, Bangladesh, Gambia, Syria and the Ivory Coast account for more than half of the 2017 total.

The UNHCR also reported that 33,800 unaccompanied or separated children (UASC) arrived in Spain, Italy, Greece and Bulgaria during 2016. The organisation estimates that the number so far for 2017 is 5,500.

Relocation in Europe

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Razan Ibraheem and Mary Gallagher in Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon. Source: www.Irish Times.com.

In a report last March, the UNHCR stated that 105,000 migrants and refugees in Greece and Italy were to be relocated throughout Europe. As of March 2017, 23,500 men, women and children were already resettled.

Ireland has agreed to take-in an initial 600 refugees and migrants. So far, 320 men, women and children have arrived. Over 100 of these are currently living in Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon. Germany and France have agreed to offer new beginnings to 47,000 of the 105,000 people due to be relocated.

Mediterranean Mission Delayed

Separately, the LÉ Eithne was due to travel to assist with rescue efforts in the Mediterranean on May 1st. However, the Irish Examiner has reported that the expedition has been delayed to paperwork issues. A new date of departure for the Irish Naval Vessel has yet to be confirmed and the crew stand ready to assist once the appropriate clearance comes through.

 

The OLA Sisters in Ireland assist with established programmes which support those new to these shores. These  include outreach to those in the Direct Provision System in Monaghan, teaching basic English in Cork and the Lantern Intercultural Centre in Dublin. Click on the links below for more.


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